Abstract: A media system for a seat in a vehicle comprises a display electrically coupled to a media player, wherein the display and the media player are housed together in a first housing, and a second housing disposed substantially in the seat and adapted to secure the first housing including the display and the media player therein, wherein the first housing is selectively detachable from the second housing.

Abstract: An adapter for a picture frame allows a digital photo frame (DPF) to be mounted into a picture frame. A lock mechanism on the adapter engages into a catch of the DPF, and mounting pockets on the adapter engage with mounting tabs of the DPF, to lock the adapter to the DPF. A flange on the adapter is configured to engage the interior sides of the picture frame. The adapter allows the DPF to be attached to picture frames of various sizes, and picture frames utilizing various back attachment methods.

Abstract: A portable video system comprises a video unit for facilitating play of a video medium, the player having a hinge, a display pivotally attached to the video player on the hinge, and a base unit secured to a substrate for selectively coupling a control panel of the video unit to the substrate, wherein the control panel can be selectively un-coupled from the base unit.

Abstract: A charging station for charging an electrical device, such as a cellular phone, has a housing, an electrical power plug mounted on a rear portion of the housing which is receivable by a wall mounted electrical power receptacle, an electrical power outlet mounted on a lateral side of the housing, and a universal serial bus (USB) connector mounted on a front face of the housing. A cradle is formed in an upper portion of the housing for supporting an electrical device being charged by the charging station.

Abstract: A remote control system is provided that includes a master controller for storing a plurality of remote control codes for a plurality of remotely controlled equipment, receiving a remote control code request message, retrieving a requested remote control code and transmitting the requested remote control code, and a remote control unit for transmitting the remote control code request message, receiving the requested remote control code from the master controller, storing the requested remote control code, converting the remote control code into a plurality of remote control commands and transmitting at least one of the plurality of remote control commands to at least one of the plurality of remotely controlled equipment, wherein each remote control code contains the plurality of remote control commands for controlling at least one of the plurality of remotely controlled equipment.

Abstract: An automobile entertainment system includes a video system mounted within an automobile headrest. The headrest includes a headrest body and a first downwardly extending headrest extension arm having a passage therethrough. The video system includes a multi-wire cable extending therefrom and the multi-wire cable passes through the first extension arm, wherein the multi-wire cable includes a connection assembly at a distal end thereof. The connection assembly is coupled to distal ends of wires making up the multi-wire cable and the distal ends of the wires are staggered facilitating passage of the multi-wire cable through the headrest extension arm.

Abstract: An entertainment system for a vehicle includes an entertainment console which includes a display and at least one docking station. The at least one docking station receives a portable media player at least partially therein and operatively connects the media player to the entertainment console. The entertainment system may be mounted within a vehicle for use therein or used at a location outside of a vehicle (e.g. home or office) based upon the preference of the user.

Abstract: A vehicle control system communication method, including: receiving, at an in-vehicle unit (IVU), a command message from a hand-held unit (HHU), wherein the command message includes a first command frame and a second command frame; and sending, from the IVU, a response message to the HHU, wherein the response message includes a first response frame, wherein the first response frame is sent in a time period between the reception of the first command frame and the reception of the second command frame.

Abstract: A mounting bracket for a vehicle backup camera, including: a lengthwise portion; and a camera mounting portion connected to the lengthwise portion, the camera mounting portion including a protrusion, the protrusion forming a gap between the camera mounting portion and the lengthwise portion so that the lengthwise portion can be mounted behind a license plate of a vehicle and a camera can be suspended by the camera mounting portion for viewing a rear of the vehicle when the vehicle is in reverse.

Abstract: A video system for selective mounting within a cradle secured to a ceiling of an automobile includes a video housing in which a video monitor and a video source are mounted and a base secured to the video housing in a manner that permits rotation of the video housing. The video housing includes a mounting bracket and the base includes a mounting bracket for use in pivotally coupling the video housing to the base. A motorized first hinge connects the base to the video housing for facilitating pivotal movement between the video housing and the base between a use position and a storage position, the first hinge includes a pivot pin having a first end and a second end and extends between, and is coupled to, the mounting bracket of the video housing and the mounting bracket of the base, the second end of the pivot pin is fixedly coupled to the mounting bracket of the base. The drive motor assembly is mounted to the video housing.

Abstract: A vehicle entertainment system includes a video system detachably mounted within an automobile arm rest/console, the armrest/console including an upper support surface. The video system includes an integrated housing supporting a video monitor and a video source.

Abstract: A video system includes a display, and a media source operatively coupled to the display, wherein the display and the media source are mounted to a vehicle seat, and at least the display is capable of being fixed to different positions using a mounting mechanism. The mounting mechanism may include at least one of a bracket, a post and a wedge.

Abstract: There is provided a display device for a vehicle having a seat. The display device includes an assembly housing adapted to mount at a rear portion of the seat. A receiver is adapted to receive at least one of video and audio signals from at least one external input device. At least one wireless transmitter operatively coupled to the receiver, is adapted to wirelessly transmit the audio signals to at least one wireless headphone set. The display device is adapted to reproduce the video signals. In some embodiments of the invention, the at least one wireless transmitter is adapted to transmit the audio signals based on Code-Division Multiple Access (CDMA) technology.

Abstract: An antenna structure for receiving digital television broadcast signals includes a vase antenna housing having a generally hourglass shape with conically-shaped upper and lower segments joined together to define a narrower diameter middle portion. The antenna structure further includes a signal receiving antenna etched on the inner surface of the vase antenna housing. The signal receiving antenna conforms to the shape of the vase antenna housing and thereby exhibits an arcuate, partial hourglass shape. The signal receiving antenna may be a cloverleaf antenna or a spiral antenna.

Abstract: A loudspeaker system includes a speaker enclosure having an opening in a front wall, and a speaker manifold mounted within the speaker enclosure and communicating with the opening. The speaker manifold includes a pair of substantially parallel side walls, a back wall, and top and bottom walls, defining a manifold chamber. The wall opposite the back wall is substantially open to define a manifold opening and to permit the communicating. The manifold opening is substantially in alignment with the front wall opening. A woofer is mounted on a first wall of the speaker manifold. An acoustic vent is mounted on a second wall of the manifold, such that the woofer and the acoustic vent face each other at one of about a 180 degree angle or about a 90 degree angle.

Abstract: A cover for a speaker device having a sound producing portion and a structure for supporting the sound producing portion, the cover includes an opening and an internal cavity therein for receiving and enclosing the speaker device, a first portion capable of passing produced sound therethrough, wherein the first portion is formed to be disposed opposite the sound producing portion of the speaker device.

Abstract: A mobile video system comprising a video player having a hinge and a display pivotally attached on the hinge. The video player and the display are contained by a bag which is preferably suspended from and fastened to seats with adjustable straps for viewing by a user, the bag having extensible mesh side panels to facilitate air circulation around the video player and a flap cover that can be opened to access the display. The video player includes a display pivotally attached to a video player that can be flipped up and adjusted to a desired angle for viewing by the user and flipped down when not in use.

Abstract: A vehicle safety system includes a vehicle having at least one pillar. The at least one pillar includes an inner surface covered with a display surface. An exterior focused camera linked to the display surface for displaying an image taken by the camera upon the display material, wherein the camera takes an image of the exterior area of the vehicle that a driver would otherwise see if the at least one pillar were not blocking the view of the driver. A camera control mechanism links a driver sitting within a driver seat of the vehicle to the camera such that the camera may be adjusted to optimize the view provided upon the display surface along the inner surface of the at least one pillar.

Abstract: An entertainment system includes a housing adapted for being mounted within a seat of a vehicle and a media unit housed within the housing and pivotably coupled to the housing. The housing includes at least one of a groove formed within a sidewall of the housing adapted to engage a movable latch of the media unit, a first flexible member provided on a sidewall of the housing to engage a portion of the media unit for snapping the media unit into place within the housing, or a second flexible member disposed in a face of the housing to provide a spring force on the media unit in a direction away from the housing.

Abstract: A hinge for use in conjunction with an overhead mobile video system includes a pivot rod fixedly coupled to a mounting bracket, a housing pivotally mounted upon the pivot rod and a friction spring interposed between the pivot rod and the housing controlling rotation of the mounting bracket relative to the housing.